Say Yes

I enjoy going to dinner by myself.  I enjoy doing a lot of things by myself, and have since Travis taught me some independence in college. :)

Last week, I had some prison homework to do (we're studying "Fight the Good Fight of Faith" for TUMI preparation) and decided to go to a place in Parker, called Armando's.  It's my favorite Italian place nearby.  I sat down, had a salad and some bread and finished my homework.  Just as I was putting everything away (don't really want red sauce on my Bible HAHA), my food came and I settled in to read a good book.  I was reading "Idaho" by Emily Ruskovich, that Mom had recommended.  And I was almost done so we could discuss it!

Then.

I feel a tap on my shoulder.

This man said, "I'm so sorry to bother you, but my son over there (and points to a little boy waving) saw you sitting here all alone and wants you to join us for dinner so you don't have to eat by yourself."

How could I say no to that?

I wanted to say no.  I wanted to just sit and read my book by myself.  But something in my spirit just made me get up and take my food to their table.

My table wasn't far, so as I was moving my food, I asked my server if I could just leave my stuff at my table.  He said it was okay and asked what was going on.  Steve, as I learned was his name, told the server that his son invited me to dinner and shared what he said.  The server said that it was really cool!

Sebastian (5) and Asher (2) are just adorable.  When their food came, we all held hands and said a blessing for the food and prayer for new friends.  At the end, both of the kids threw up their hands and yelled "AMEN!"

It was so sweet.

At the end of dinner, small talk and learning where we all went to church, the kids ordered ice cream, spumoni.  The server brought it over and said, "My manager wants to give you this ice cream for free.  You see, when you do nice things for people, it makes people want to do nice things for you."  The kids were so excited for free ice cream!

Steve said, "This may be weird, but can we get a picture with you?  This is going on our wall!"  I agreed, this was definitely a Kodak moment!  And I wanted to remember it.  This was such a sweet family.  Very God-focused.

Meet my new friends:

Server (I can't remember his name...ARGH!), Steve, Asher, Laura, Sebastian (standing in front).